Getting Ready for Tropical Storm Sandy

PREPARING FOR THE WORST EVEN AS WE HOPE FOR THE BEST

With Tropical Storm Sandy heading our way and reaching our area by Tuesday, we have all learned since Hurricane Irene. The Village is implementing our revised Emergency Action Plan in case of severe weather this coming week. While conditions are different from the ones that we faced last year, this letter is meant to provide useful information no matter what the effects of the storm are.

There is an evacuation center opening at the Elementary School in case you need to leave your home. This center will be ready for an extended stay with food and supplies. The Village Hall at 309 Main Street will serve as the Emergency Center. Starting Tuesday it will be open past normal hours, up to 24 if necessary. Here, the Village will have food, information, and volunteers ready for anyone that needs it. Both the Fire Department and Department of Public Works are also taking precautions.

In case of an evacuation, there are different options open for your family. Both Cotton Hill Road and Huntersland offer routes to get out in case the Schoharie Creek overflows. The priority for evacuation should come through last year's experience: if you are in the flood plain, you may consider temporary evacuation on Tuesday, it is NOT mandatory. Even if you are not currently planning on leaving, there are steps to take to be prepared in case of severe flooding. In both your home and car, leave some non-perishable food, candles, blankets, and bottled water. You should keep your gas tank full, preferably filling by Monday.

In case you need more information, below are important phone numbers to call:

Non-Emergency and Local Info: 211

Middleburgh Fire Department: 827-5277

Schohare County Emergency Management: 295-2276

Schoharie County Sheriff: 295-8114

Village Office (Local Emergency Center): 827-5143

Middleburgh Elementary School: 827-3677

Mayor Avitabile (cell): 763-6854

National Grid: (800) 642-4272

Middleburgh blog: www.middleburghny.blogspot.com

As with Irene, we will be on top of important information. Information will be given out through various means, similar to this letter and through the news media. In case you hear rumors or are unsure about certain things, please contact one of the numbers in the list to make sure.

We are tracking the storm and hope that the main portion falls south. However, please take precaution even as we hope for the best.